Turning the Page into Year Three at The G House: We Don’t Need to Fix Everything Ourselves

What started as an idea and a place to help our son, Gunnar, and others like him feel truly seen, supported, and included, has grown into something so much bigger: The G House, an inclusive home and community anchored in acceptance, creativity, and love.

Earlier this week, I was struck by a powerful moment. Gunnar was being fitted with his new wheelchair, and the physical therapist said something that has stayed with me:

“Your feedback on this chair essential. You don’t need to fix this yourself.”

She was encouraging us to not modify what was not working on the chair but rather communicate with her so that others could do the modifications. As parents of children with IDD (intellectual and developmental disabilities), our instinct is often to solve every problem ourselves—to tweak, adapt, re‑invent—instead of simply asking for help. We tell ourselves it’s easier, faster, or that no one else understands. But in that moment, she reminded me: we don’t have to bear it alone.

A Lesson in Letting Go, Yet Holding On

At The G House, we’ve learned that community doesn’t just mean being together; it means being interdependent. These last two years have taught us that the most joyful, meaningful moments don’t come from lone efforts—they come from collective care.

• Our shared resources—from adaptive equipment to community spaces—are made better because we ask, listen, and design together.
• Our programming—from communal meals to engaging workshops—works because someone is always ready to bring their skills, ideas, and open heart.
• Our support system—from late-night texts to celebratory milestones—is richer because no one carries the weight alone.

What “We Don’t Need to Fix This Ourselves” Looks Like at The G House

1. We ask, then listen. Whether it’s adjusting a wheelchair, coordinating transportation, or rethinking a group activity, our first step is asking for input. We value lived experience more than guessing.
2. We bring the right people to the table. Self‑advocates, parents, Direct Support Professionals, therapists, architects, builders, general contractors—we gather diverse voices to co-create solutions that are practical, meaningful, and rooted in dignity.
3. We share accountability. When one of us encounters a challenge, we’ve learned: let’s figure this out together. That might mean finding specialist support, coordinating funding, or simply thinking out loud—together.

The Power of Housing + Community

As we turn the page into Year Three, our vision for The G House is clearer than ever: an inclusive home is only as strong as the community that supports it.

• In housing, true accessibility isn’t about isolated modifications—it’s about systems that respond and adapt as needs evolve.
• In community, real belonging isn’t a checkbox—it’s a culture of shared responsibility, respect, and collaboration.
• In family, we don’t just bring support—we become support. And in giving care, we also find care.

Looking Ahead

So, here’s our invitation: if you’ve been doing it all solo, tired and overextended—pause. Look around. You don’t have to do it all yourself. Step into community. Join our conversations. Offer your stories. Share your expertise. Lean on us. Let’s invest in homes that aren’t just accessible, but truly alive—and communities that don’t just include but empower. Communities in which everyone belongs and contributes.

Seeking Residents for G House 1.1 and 2.0

We’re excited to announce that we’re seeking residents for G House 1.1, a new build at our current location, and G House 2.0, a property we’re renovating in Durham, NC.

We’re looking for individuals with IDD and their families who want to invest and be part of this inclusive, collaborative community. Our homes are designed for true belonging—where everyone contributes, supports, and thrives together.

Interested? Please complete the form.

Here’s to Year Three of G House: where collaboration is our compass, connection is our foundation, and nobody goes it alone. Because when we say, “we don’t need to fix everything ourselves,” we’re really saying: we need each other.

Progress. Together.
Barbara Levin, Founder, The G House